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San Francisco 49ers Could Make Surprising NFL Draft Move

Originally posted on NFL Analysis Network
By Jake Rogers | Last updated 4/25/24

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a pivotal decision heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.

Reports indicate that Brandon Aiyuk is discontented with the team, and with potential constraints on their budget, especially if they aim to extend Brock Purdy’s contract, meeting Aiyuk’s salary expectations might pose a challenge.

Considering this scenario, Dan Orlovsky suggests that opting for a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft wouldn’t be surprising.

Speaking on First Take, the former quarterback argued for John Lynch to prioritize adding an offensive weapon, while also suggesting the possibility of trading Aiyuk to the highest bidder.

.@danorlovsky7 is looking for the 49ers to draft a WR tonight ✍️ pic.twitter.com/UxJv1tqIkC
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 25, 2024

Most pundits anticipate the Niners selecting either an offensive tackle or a defensive lineman, making such a move a departure from expectations.

Nevertheless, the wide receiver position boasts considerable talent, and financial constraints could necessitate difficult decisions regarding Aiyuk’s future.

Aiyuk is coming off a stellar season, aspiring to carve out a larger role in the team’s offense. However, with the presence of Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Deebo Samuel, achieving that might prove challenging.

Undoubtedly, Aiyuk has demonstrated his prowess as one of the premier wide receivers in the league, showcasing versatility across different positions on the field.

Yet, if the San Francisco 49ers aim to sustain their success and build for the future, making sacrifices becomes inevitable. In this context, Aiyuk appears to be the most likely candidate to be sidelined.

This article first appeared on NFL Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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